Charity begins at tome

Seven new libraries will be donated to charities and non-profit organisations across Ireland this year through the Bord Gáis Energy Donate a Library initiative. The programme gives the company's customers, book club members and the general public the opportunity to nominate a local community, charity or voluntary group to receive a free library worth €1,500.

To celebrate the launch, unique “book nooks” will be set up in cities around the country, with passersby encouraged to stop and relax with a book. Visitors will also be encouraged to nominate a local group or organisation that they would like to see receive a library of their own. In 2013, Bord Gáis Energy received more than 250 nominations from organisations across Ireland and donated libraries to communities in Donegal and Mayo. This year the company has increased the number of libraries to seven, starting off with one library per province next month.

“We’ve learned over the years with these types of programmes just how much pleasure reading brings to our customers,” says Emma Walsh, Bord Gáis Energy’s books and reading sponsorship programme manager. “By giving away libraries to worthy organisations that may not be able to afford one themselves, we feel that we can really support their access to books and reading.”

Those wishing to nominate an organisation for a library can do so at BGEbookclub.ie. Applications are welcome from individuals and groups involved in community, charity or local organisations that are not-for-profit. All nominations will be reviewed by a panel of judges.